EL PASO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
CITY OF EL PASO, ILLINOIS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Mayor Herb Arbuckle
City Council
Ward 1 Dick Jones Tim Porth
Ward 2 Matt Duffy Scott Crump
Ward 3 Katie Lowery Randy Garrels
Comprehensive Planning Committee
David Brown Jay Etcheson Dennis Grube Lisa Heller Dick Jones Katie Lowery Tammy Mool Bobbie Talbert Mabel Volz
Prepared By: Tri-County Regional Planning Commission 411 Hamilton Blvd, Suite 2001 Peoria, IL 61602
2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ...... i
I. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 A. Background ...... 1 B. Location ...... 1 C. Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan ...... 2
II. INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS ...... 5 A. Land Use...... 5 B. Population...... 7 C. Housing...... 11 D. Community Facilities ...... 17 E. Transportation ...... 19 F. Economic Development ...... 25 G. Cultural Facilities ...... 28 H. Natural Resources ...... 30
III. TWENTY-YEAR VISION FOR EL PASO ...... 32
IV. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...... 33 A. Land Use...... 34 B. Population/Housing...... 36 C. Community Facilities ...... 37 D. Transportation and Circulation...... 38 E. Economic Development ...... 39 F. Cultural Facilities ...... 40 G. Natural Resources...... 40
SURVEY RESULTS ...... Appendix
Page i COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 I. INTRODUCTION
A. BACKGROUND
The City of El Paso is a small community that has remained relatively unchanged for many years. However, the community understands that change is inevitable and that successful communities need a plan to manage change.
There are several factors that will impact the future of El Paso. One is the current trend for individuals and families to live in small towns and bedroom communities while commuting to work in larger cities such as Bloomington/Normal. Another factor is the potential for further development at the interchange of Interstate 39 with Route 24 at the west edge of the community.
The pressure for the growth of El Paso will come from outside the community. It is unlikely that the population will increase significantly due to additional employment opportunities within the city.
To prepare for the future, the City of El Paso has prepared this Comprehensive Plan for the community and the mile-and-a-half area surrounding the town. The background, development, and features of the Plan are described in this document.
B. LOCATION
El Paso is located in central Illinois approximately thirteen miles north of the twin cities of Bloomington/Normal. It is 35 miles east of Peoria, Illinois. The closest major city is Chicago, which is 125 miles north of the community.
El Paso is in Woodford County and is part of the Peoria/Pekin Metropolitan Area, commonly known as the Tri-County area. Although El Paso is in the Tri-County area, the metropolitan area of Bloomington/Normal will most likely have a greater impact on its future. See Map I-B-1 on the following page.
Page 1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Map I-B-1 Location
EL PASO, ILLINOIS
C. PURPOSE OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Comprehensive Planning is a process by which a community guides its future development. Growth can be encouraged to take place where the necessary services can be reasonably provided. Conflicts between uses can be minimized. Financial and other resources can be more effectively used.
The Comprehensive Plan is a guide. It is not an ordinance, although changes to the City’s Zoning or Subdivision Ordinances may be a result of the Plan. This Comprehensive Plan looks twenty years into the future. However, the Plan is not a static document and should be reviewed and updated every three to five years.
With a Comprehensive Plan, a community can choose and design its own future. The future will come, and local officials will make decisions about it whether or not they have a plan. Only through planning, however, can a community make rational choices for a sustainable future.
Page 2 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Table I-C-1 shows the elements of a Comprehensive Plan and the question each element addresses.
Table I-C-1 Comprehensive Planning Process
Element of Comprehensive Plan Question Inventory of Existing Conditions Where are we now? The Vision What do we want to look like in 20 years? Goals and Objectives How do we get there?
One of the features of a Comprehensive Plan is the inclusion of all land subject to the planning jurisdiction of a community. In Illinois, that area has been defined as all land within a mile-and-a-half of the corporate limits. Illinois law gives communities with a Comprehensive Plan specific regulatory controls within that area. This allows the community to make land use decisions outside their corporate boundaries.
This plan for El Paso will address the community as it exists today and the mile-and-a-half planning area that surrounds it. See Map I-C-2 on the following page.
Page 3 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
Map I-C-2
Page 4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 II. INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
A. LAND USE
Land Use is a term that is used to describe man-made uses of land. Typical land uses are residential, commercial, and industrial. Other land uses are schools, parks, churches, and public uses such as City Hall.
The City of El Paso has a traditional mixture of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The mile-and-a-half area is predominantly agricultural.
As with most communities, the predominant land use in El Paso is residential. Within the residential areas can be found land uses that support the neighborhoods, such as schools, parks, libraries, public buildings such as governmental buildings and churches.
El Paso is fortunate to have an active park system. In addition to South Pointe Park, which is over forty acres in size, there are numerous smaller parks such as Corn Belt Park. El Paso also has a bicycle/walking trail that runs in a north/south direction through the entire community.
An elementary school, a middle school, and a high school are located in the city. A public library is centrally located on East First Street.
Local businesses support the residents of a community with everyday goods and services. There are two business districts in El Paso, the traditional downtown business district and the highway-oriented business district along Route 24 on the west side of the town.
An important land use in any community is that used for industry. It is the industries that provide employment for the residents of a community. In El Paso, industries are located primarily along Route 24 which runs east-west through the community.
Map II-A-1 on the following page is a graphic representation of the current land uses in El Paso
Page 5 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
Map II-A-1 (revised)
Page 6 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 B. POPULATION
Population Trends
El Paso was incorporated in 1854. Since that time, the population has grown at a slow but steady rate. The first census for the community, in 1860, showed a population of 890 residents. One hundred and forty years later, in 2000, the population was 2,695.
Figure II-B-1
Population Trends and Projections
El Paso, Illinois 4000
n 3000
2000
Populatio 1000
0
1860 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020
Year (Actual in green; projections in brown)
Source: Actual - U.S. Bureau of the Census Projections – Illinois State Census and Data User Services
The population of a community often reflects the population growth or decline of the region in which it is located. Therefore, a look at population trends in the county and the region is in order. Figure II-B-2 on the following page compares the population growth of El Paso to the population growth of Woodford and McLean Counties over the last forty years.
The population of Woodford County has slowly and steadily increased since 1960. Most of this population growth has been on the southwestern side of the county, however, as residents of Peoria move to bedroom communities within commuting distance from Peoria.
McLean County has seen tremendous growth in the last forty years. The population of McLean County has almost doubled since 1960. Much of this growth is due to the increase in white-collar employment opportunities in the Bloomington/Normal area.
During these years of moderate growth in Woodford County and substantial growth in McLean County, the population of El Paso has remained stable. However, as population growth moves outward from Bloomington/Normal, El Paso may see population growth. The question we must ask ourselves is “Will this population growth come to El Paso, and if so, when?”
Page 7 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
Figure II-B-2
Regional Population Trends
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
Population 60,000
40,000
20,000
0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 Year
El Pas o Woodford County
McClean County
Population Projections
The purpose of a Comprehensive Plan is to plan for the future of a community, and to plan we must have an understanding of the growth that is to be expected. Figure II-B-1, in addition to showing the actual population of El Paso over the last 140 years, also indicates potential population growth in the next twenty-five years. Based on projections developed by the Illinois State Census and Data User Services, the population in 2025 is projected to be 3600 persons, an increase of approximately 900 persons, or 34%.
Since the 2000 Census was completed, approximately fifty new homes have been built in El Paso. This rate of growth is slightly lower than that predicted in Figure II-B-1.
Page 8 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Income
One of the factors that describes a community is income. Half of the households in El Paso (50.2%) have incomes ranging from $35,000 to $75,000 a year. The remainder of the households have incomes above or below that amount.
One way to look at income is to analyze the median household income of a community. The median household income in El Paso is $47,745. Median income means one-half of the households have an income higher than this amount, and one-half have an income below it. The graph below indicates the median income for El Paso and the surrounding areas.
The median income in El Paso is lower than Woodford County but much higher than the Tri- County region as a whole. It is consistent, however, with the median household income in McLean County. See Figure II-B-3.
Figure II-B-3
Median Household Income Comparison
$54,000 $51,394 $52,000 $50,000 $47,745 $48,000 $47,021
$46,000 $44,000 $42,986 $42,000
$40,000 $38,000
n y ty io t un El Paso Coun n ea ounty Reg -C ri Mc L Woodford Co T
Mobility
Another factor to analyze in describing population is mobility. Mobility refers to the degree to which residents move into or out of a community. The graph on the following page shows the degree to which residents have moved since 1995. For example, 60% of persons in El
Page 9 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Paso lived in the same home in 1995, while 30% lived in a different home. The statistics are similar for Woodford County and the Tri-County Area. In Bloomington/Normal, however, 46% of residents lived in the same home in 1995, while 54% lived in a different home. One conclusion that can be gleaned from this is that the population of EL Paso will continue to grow as new residents move into the community while current residents remain. See Figure II-B-4.
Figure II-B-4
Mobility
70 60 50 40 30 Percent 20 10 0 El Paso Woodford Tri-County Mc Lean County Region County
Lived in the Same House in 1995 Lived in a Different House in the Same County Lived in a Different House in a Different County
Page 10 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 C. HOUSING
After Land Use and Population, the next area to review is Housing. Housing is the largest use of land in any community and is a central focus in community planning. This report will look at the following housing factors: Age, Housing Types, Owner and Renter Occupancy, and Value. As with Population, the primary source of data for this section is the 2000 U.S. Census.
Age of Housing
As mentioned earlier in this report, El Figure II-C-1 Paso is a very old community, and the age of the community is reflected in the age of Age of Housing its housing stock. As indicated in Figure II-C-1, over half (58%) of the homes in the community are over forty years old. Year Built Number Percent Further, under ten percent of the homes 1939 or earlier 343 34% have been built since 1990. 1940 - 1960 245 24% 1960 – 1980 301 29% A comparison with other communities is 1980 – 1990 41 4% helpful. Figure II-C-2 compares the 1990 – 2000 94 9% percentage of homes built since 1990 in El Paso to other areas. Woodford County has Total Housing Units 1024 100% had significant new housing, although Source: 2000 Census most of this new housing was on the southwest side of the county near Peoria. In the Bloomington/Normal region (McLean County), 28% of all housing has been built since 1990.
Figure II-C-2
Percent of Homes Built Since 1990 25% 23%
20% 16% 15% 9% 10% 10%
5%
0%
El Paso MSA County Woodford Tri-County
Normal MSA Bloomington/
Page 11 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Another way to look at housing and population growth is to review the number of building permits issued by the City of El Paso for new housing units. The following information was obtained from the City of El Paso building department.
Figure II-C-3
New Housing Units
1994-2005 30
25
20
15
10
5
0 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Single-Family Multi-Family Total
Figure II-C-3 meshes with Figure II-B-1 on Page 7 entitled “Population Trends.” The population of El Paso increased by almost 200 persons from 1990 to 2000. The graph above indicates that 104 new housing units were built during the years 1994 to 1999. Assuming two persons per household, this would easily explain the increase in population during the 1990’s.
Figure II-C-3 also shows that new housing starts for single-family homes have remained steady since the mid 1990’s. However, the number of multi-family units built in any year varies widely.
Page 12 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Types of Housing Figure II-C-4 Another important area of housing to analyze is the types of housing units. The majority Types of Housing Units of the housing units in El Paso, as in most communities, are single-family homes. There is a limited amount of duplexes, multi- Number family housing, and mobile homes. See Housing Type of Units Percent Figure II-C-4. Single-Family 778 76% As with age of housing, a comparison of Duplex 63 6% types of housing units with other Multi-Family 97 9% communities is helpful. While over 75% of Mobile Home 86 8% the housing in El Paso is single-family, this is lower than the proportion of single-family Total Units 1,024 homes in Woodford County or the Tri- Source: 2000 Census County Region. Only McLean County has a smaller proportion of single-family homes, which is most likely due to the existence of Illinois State University in Normal. See Figure II-C-5.
Figure II-C-5 Types of Housing Units in Other Areas By Percent
Jurisdiction Single-Family Duplex Multi-Family Mobile Home El Paso 76% 6% 9% 8% Woodford County 86% 4% 5% 5% Tri-County Region 79% 3% 15% 3% McLean County 66% 3% 25% 6% Source: 2000 Census
El Paso has a higher proportion of mobile homes than the remainder of the areas being studied. In the 2000 Census, over eight percent of the housing units were mobile homes. This is a higher percentage than any of the three counties listed in Figure II-C-5. El Paso also has a higher proportion of mobile homes than other municipalities of similar size in Woodford or McLean Counties. See Figure II-C-6.
Figure II-C-6 Percentage of Mobile Homes in Other Municipalities
Municipality % Mobile Homes El Paso 8.4 Roanoke 0.2 Metamora 0.4 Minonk 5.5 Chenoa 3.1
Page 13 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Owner and Rental Occupancy
A community typically has a mix of owner-occupied and renter-occupied housing. Families often prefer to own their own homes, while young people and the elderly often prefer to rent. Communities, for the most part, try to encourage home ownership to strengthen neighborhoods; however, communities also have an on-going need for quality rental property.
Seventy-five percent of the homes in El Paso are owner-occupied. This is lower than the percentage in Woodford County but higher than McLean County or the Tri-County region as a whole. Please refer to Figure II-C-7.
Figure II-C-7
Comparison of Owner-Occupied Housing Units by Percent
100 83% 75% 72% 80 67% 60
40 Percent 20
0 El Paso Woodford Tri-County McClean County County Region
Housing Value
The final housing factor to analyze is value. Home values in El Paso range from less than $50,000 up to $200,000. As can be seen in Figure II-C-8, most homes fall into the $50,000 to $100,000 category.
Figure II-C-8 Value of Owner-Occupied Homes in El Paso Number Percent Less than $50,000 39 6% $50,000 to $99,999 360 57% $100,000 to 149,999 184 29% $150,000 to $199,999 53 8% $200,000 or more 0 0% Source: 2000 Census
Page 14 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Another way to look at home values is to look at the median value of homes in a given area. Median value means one-half of the homes are below this value, and one-half are above. The median value of homes in El Paso is $88,800. Figure II-C-9 compares the median value of homes in El Paso to Woodford County, the Tri-County region, and McLean County.
El Paso has a slightly lower median home value than the Tri-County Area. However, it is significantly lower than both Woodford County, of which it is a part, and McLean County. This is to be expected given that there has been little new housing construction in El Paso in recent years.
Figure II-C-9
Median Home Value Owner-Occupied Homes $140,000 $114,800 $120,000 $102,900 $100,000 $88,800 $89,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 El Paso Woodford Tri-County McClean County Region County
Source: 2000 Census
Rental Rates
Figure II-C-10 Median Rent Renter-Occupied Units $540 $520 $500 $480 $533 $502 $460 $483 $484 $440 El Paso Woodford Tri-County McClean County Region County
Source: 2000 Census
Page 15 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 In addition to home values, it is important to review rental rates for renter-occupied units. Figure II-C-10 on the previous page indicates the median rent for El Paso and surrounding areas. (Median Rent means one-half of the units rent for an amount above this value, and one-half are below.)
The rental rates in El Paso are higher than in McLean County or the Tri-County area. However, they are lower than Woodford County.
Page 16 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 D. COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Wastewater Collection and Treatment
The residents of El Paso are served by a municipal sanitary sewer system that was constructed in 1967. The system is a combination of gravity sewers and pump stations that take wastewater from its point of origin to the treatment plant approximately one-half mile northeast of the city.
The City of El Paso commissioned a study in 2002 of the condition of the sanitary sewer system. The study found that, in general, the condition of the system is satisfactory. However, there is one significant problem with the wastewater system. A gravity sewer at First Street that collects wastewater from the Pine Street pump station is at capacity. The problem is exacerbated during heavy rains when rainwater infiltrates the system. Until this issue is resolved, growth on the south and west sides of the community will be restricted.
A sanitary system has two primary functions. One is to collect the wastewater and take it to a treatment plant, and the second is to treat the wastewater and discharge it into an approved drainage way. The collection system has at least one major issue. As for the second function, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has rated the capacity of the treatment system at 4,610 population equivalents. With a current population of 2,695, there is excess capacity in the treatment plant.
The 2002 study makes recommendations for upgrading the wastewater system. As part of the recommendations, the study looks at potential land uses for the growth areas of the city. Residential development is suggested for the north of the city, and business/industrial to the west and southwest of the city.
As this report is being written, the city of El Paso is installing a trunk sewer along Illinois 251. The purpose of this construction is two-fold: to mitigate capacity problems that were outlined in the 2002 study, and to provide wastewater service to Furrow’s Winery, a recently annexed development to the city. The construction of this trunk sewer opens up the land between Intestate 39 and Route 251 to development.
Water Treatment and Distribution
The City of El Paso provides drinking water to its residents. The Water Treatment Plant is capable of producing water at a rate of 600 gallons per minute. Treatment at the plant consists of iron removal, filtering, softening, as well as the addition of chlorine, phosphate and fluoride. El Paso has received commendation from the Illinois Department of Health for the last seven consecutive years, because the city achieved the highest standard of compliance possible in its fluoridation program.
Water for the system is obtained from wells. Two of these wells are located at the Water Treatment Plant (301 West Front Street). A third well is located at the corner of Third & Central Streets. The fourth and newest of these wells is located on Eighth Street along the walking trail, and it was completed in the fall of 2001. The oldest well has been serving the
Page 17 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 City since approximately 1882. Water is transported around the City through a network of water mains ranging in size from 4" to 12" in diameter. The mains range in age from those which were installed recently to some which were installed in 1896 and are still in use today.
According to Chuck Arbuckle, the City’s Director of Public Works, the water system is in excellent condition. Approximately 500 new residents can be served with the existing system. At that point, upsizing the existing plant or digging new wells will be required.
The population projections discussed in Part B of this chapter indicate that the city will grow by approximately 900 residents in the next twenty-five years. An increase of 500 residents should not occur for at least twelve years.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided by a local volunteer fire department. El Paso also has a volunteer emergency medical team and disaster relief office.
Eighty percent of the respondents to the community survey rated the fire protection as good. 83% of the respondents rated the ambulance service as good. (See the Appendix for the full survey results.)
Law Enforcement
The City of El Paso has an eight person police department that provides 24 hour police coverage for the city.
Sixty-nine percent of the respondents to the community survey rated the fire department as good.
City Government/Administration The City of El Paso is a Mayoral/Aldermatic form of Municipal government. All officials are elected for four year terms, with three Aldermen elected at the same time as the Mayor and the others elected two years later. The City is divided into three wards with 2 Aldermen representing each. The city also has a city clerk, a city administrator, and administrative assistants.
Page 18 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 E. TRANSPORTATION The goal of transportation planning is to provide safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout a community. Transportation is more than roadways for cars and trucks. It also includes rail, mass transit, and non-motorized forms of transportation such as walking and bicycling. Highway Transportation The highway transportation system is typically composed of three types of streets, known as arterials, collectors, and local streets. Each of these street classifications has different characteristics and functions, as defined below:
STREET CLASSIFICATION DEFINITIONS
Arterial Streets Arterial streets are major routes for traffic movement within a region, and deal with the movement of people and goods into and out of a community. They have the fastest speed limit of the three types of streets, and can typically be accessed only at specific points along their length. Route 24 is the only arterial street in El Paso (other than Interstate 39).
Collector Streets
Collector streets connect the arterial roads to the local street system, and thus carry a higher level of traffic than local streets. Collector streets may provide direct access to adjacent land. However, they primarily route traffic from local streets to arterials.
Local Streets
Local streets provide direct access to adjacent land and carry a relatively small proportion of the vehicle miles traveled. These streets serve primarily residential neighborhoods, and often have sidewalks on one or both sides. Speed limits on these streets are the lowest of the three types of streets, and they have the highest amount of pedestrian activity.
Both collector streets and local streets deal with the movement of people and goods within a community.
Arterial Streets The only arterial street in El Paso is US Route 24, a two-lane federal highway that runs in an east-west direction through the community. US Route 24 connects to other arterials in
Page 19 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 the region. Interstate 39 is on the western edge of El Paso. Interstates 55 and 74 are approximately fourteen miles south of El Paso. In addition, northbound Interstate 55 can be accessed fifteen miles east of the city. Interstate 80 is forty-five miles north of the city.
US Route 24 carries from 4,850 to 9,800 vehicles per day through the community. See Figure II-E-1.
Figure II-E-1
Average Daily Traffic Counts 2006
Source: Illinois Department of Transportation
Arterials are a vital link in the transportation system of the region. They allow the movement of freight into and out of the region in an efficient, safe, and reliable manner. They keep existing businesses and industries in the region and are an important factor in encouraging new ones to locate here.
US Route 24 carries the bulk of the truck traffic that goes through El Paso. There is a consistent number of trucks that use US Route on a daily basis – approximately 800 to 1,100. However, as expected, these numbers rise significantly at the Interstate 39/US Route 24 interchange. See Figure II-E-2.
Page 20 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
Figure II-E-2
Average Daily Traffic Counts Truck Only - 2006
Source: Illinois Department of Transportation
Capacity of US Route 24 The capacity of a highway is defined as the maximum number of vehicles that can reasonably be expected to use the facility in a given time period under prevailing roadway, traffic, and control conditions. It is typically measured using a concept called Level of Service (LOS). The LOS comprises a set of defined operating conditions for each type of roadway.
There are numerous operating conditions used in defining the LOS. Some of these are average daily traffic (passenger vehicles and trucks), peak hour traffic, percentage of trucks using the roadway, lane width, speed limit, and the number of intersections. For purposes of this plan, however, only two factors were considered: average daily traffic and percentage of trucks.
A Threshold Level of Service is the borderline between inadequate and adequate Levels of Service. For US Route 24, a two-lane highway, an Average Daily Traffic less than 10,000 and truck traffic of less than ten percent is considered adequate. Quantities over those figures means vehicles may not be able to travel in a safe and efficient manner.
For the two-lane portion of US Route 24, the Average Daily Traffic is from just under 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles per day (vpd), which is well below the standard of 10,000 vpd. However,
Page 21 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Truck traffic is over the ten percent threshold, and in some areas is substantially above the threshold. See Figure II-E-3.
Figure II-E-3 LEVEL OF SERVICE
US ROUTE 24
ADT* ADT* All Road Segment Vehicles Trucks % Truck Traffic CR 2500 E to CR 2600 E 5200 1125 22% CR 2600 E to I-39 5900 1025 17% IL-251 to N. Central 6800 875 13% N. Central to CR 2800 E 7000 825 12%
CR 2800 E to CR 2900 E 4850 900 19%
*Average Daily Traffic
Source: Illinois Department of Transportation
Figure II-E-3 indicates that the traffic on US Route 24 does not meet Illinois Department of Transportation standards for safety and efficiency. There are two primary methods of improving this situation: US Route 24 could be widened to four lanes through the community, or a bypass around the community could be built. Unless US Route 24 is used as part of a Peoria to Chicago highway (see discussion below), the first option is more likely.
Peoria to Chicago Highway
In the mid 1990’s, a plan was conceived to build a limited access highway from Peoria to the Chicago area. The project included two sections – the completion of Interstate 474 around Peoria (sometimes referred to as the ring road), and the construction of a highway from Interstate 474 to Chicago.
The Illinois Department of Transportation began both sections of the project. However, the project was not completed. There was significant controversy at the time regarding the corridor for completing Interstate 474 around Peoria. Without the completion of Interstate 474, the highway to Chicago could not be built.
Figure II-E-4 shows the proposed locations of the ring road and the highway. Corridor E2 would impact El Paso directly. If corridor E2 was chosen, a further decision would have to be made, and that is whether US Route 24 would be improved and widened in its present location through El Paso, or whether a bypass around El Paso would be built.
As of this writing, there is a renewed interest in building the ring road and completing the Interstate 474 loop around Peoria. However, there has been no further discussion on the Peoria to Chicago Highway.
Page 22 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Figure II-E-4
Collector Streets Collector streets move traffic from arterials to local roads. They have a lower speed limit than arterials but a higher speed limit than local streets. The City of El Paso has not formally identified collector streets. However, the following streets act as collectors: the primary north-south collector streets are Route 251 and County Highway 6 (Adams/Oak Street). The east-west collector streets are CR 1100 North (Clearview) and Route 24. In El Paso, Route 24 acts as both an arterial and a collector street as it is used for both through traffic and internal circulation within the city. An issue with collector streets is the need for extensions of existing streets as the community grows. There are three streets extensions that should be considered as development occurs. The first is an extension of Clay Street east of Oak Street to CR 2900 E. The second is an extension of 5th Street west of Walnut to County Highway 251. The third is extension of Cherry Street north of 8th Street when/if this area develops.
Local Streets
All streets not identified as an arterial or a collector are local streets. As in most communities, most of the streets in El Paso are local.
Page 23 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 The older part of El Paso is built on a typical grid street system. For the most part, blocks are of similar length and width and there are few dead-end streets or cul-de-sacs. One of the benefits of a grid system is that traffic slows down at intersections, thus making the community safe for pedestrians. The disadvantage of a typical grid system is that although all streets are made to handle the same amount of traffic, some streets will naturally carry more traffic than others. A case in point are Pine, Elm and Sycamore Streets. These three streets are the only north- south streets (in addition to Route 251 and Adams) that cross the railroad tracks at Front Street. Therefore, these streets carry more traffic than other local streets. In the newer parts of El Paso, cul-de-sacs are common. While cul-de-sacs eliminate most traffic, they cut down on the walkability of the neighborhood.
Rail Transportation The City of El Paso has an active rail line that runs parallel to US Route 24. The Toledo, Peoria, and Western Railroad carries five or less trains a day through the community. The train does not stop in El Paso. Vehicle circulation is impacted when trains are active.
Sidewalks Most of the time, when transportation is discussed, vehicle transportation comes to mind. However, pedestrian transportation must also be considered. Although we are a car- oriented society, there is still a need for safe and efficient walking routes. Sidewalks are used by residents of the community as they go to school, work, or recreational activities. They are also used by mail carriers, newspaper carriers, and other delivery persons. In El Paso, many of the residential streets have sidewalks, but many do not. In areas with sidewalks, the sidewalk is not located adjacent to the street pavement. Instead, there is a wide tree lawn between the street and the sidewalk. This layout is ideal as it totally separates pedestrians from vehicle traffic. In areas without sidewalks, pedestrians must walk on the roadway. On local streets with lower traffic volumes, this is not a severe safely hazard; however, sidewalks are still preferred on all streets.
Page 24 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 F. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
An integral part of any community is its economic prosperity. Existing commercial and industrial uses must be kept vibrant while new commercial and industrial growth is needed to maintain and increase economic opportunities and potential.
There are two parts to the economy of a community. The first focuses on the economic base of a community. The economic base is that part of the local economy that brings in dollars from outside the community in the form of wages. The second part of the economy is the recycling of those dollars throughout the community for everyday goods and services.
THE ECONOMIC CYCLE
A manufacturing company such as American Buildings hires local residents to work in its manufacturing facility. The products they make are sold outside of El Paso. Wages are paid to the employees from the revenue the company receives when it sells its products.
The employees take their wages and buy everyday good goods and services. They purchase retail products such as groceries and gasoline, and services such as banking and auto repair.
Both parts of the economy are necessary to a community. It has been estimated that every dollar of base industry wages leads to four or five dollars of additional spending in the local economy.
Economic Base
The most typical economic base industry is manufacturing. There are two major economic base industries in El Paso: American Buildings employs approximately 300 persons, and Dupont Chemical employs 135. (Source: Economic Development Council for Central Illinois.) Other economic base industries are agriculture, and commercial businesses at the Interstate 39 interchange that bring in dollars from outside the community.
Figure II-F-1 is a list of the major employers in El Paso. Note that some of these businesses are economic base industries and others are not.
Page 25 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
Figure II-F-1
MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN EL PASO
Employer Product/Service Employees American Buildings Metal Fabrication 300 Dupont Chemical Agriculture Products 135 El Paso School District Public Education 70 Pfister Hybrid Farm Seed Products 60 El Paso Telephone Public Utility 20
Local Economy
As mentioned above, every dollar of base industry employment leads to four or five dollars of additional spending. Ideally, much of that money stays in the community. The Community Survey asked respondents “Approximately how much of your purchasing is done in El Paso for the following items?” The results, shown below in Figure II-F-2, indicate that residents shop in El Paso for many of these items. The exceptions are items or services not found in El Paso, such as full service restaurants or specialty goods.
Figure II-F-2 PERCENTAGE OF PURCHASING IN EL PASO Almost None Some Most (0 to 10%) (10% to 50%) (50% to 100%) Groceries 12% 42% 46% Gasoline 20% 39% 40% Auto Repair 19% 17% 64% Banking 18% 16% 66% Medical/Pharmacy 19% 25% 56% Hardware 25% 48% 27% Appliances 47% 28% 25% Full Service Dining 33% 53% 14% Casual Dining/Fast Food 21% 56% 23% New & Used Cars 33% 23% 44% Home Furnishings and Carpeting 36% 31% 33% Specialty Items/Home Decor 51% 36% 13% Home Maintenance and 34% 28% 38% Remodeling Contractors
Page 26 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Agriculture
The mile-and-a-half planning area surrounding the city of El Paso is predominantly used for agriculture. Much of the soil in this area is considered prime agricultural land.
Agriculture is an important part of the economy of the El Paso area. Many families make a living from farming. In addition, there are numerous businesses in El Paso related to farming. For example, the corporate home of Pfister Seed is located on the west side of El Paso. Others farm-related businesses are DuPont Agricultural Products, Linco Equipment, and Sun Ag, Inc.
Vacant Buildings/Lots
El Paso has few vacant lots or buildings zoned for commercial or industrial uses. There is limited industrially-zoned land available near the Interstate 39 interchange. The Elms Restaurant, an El Paso landmark along Route 24, has been vacant for many years.
Page 27 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 G. CULTURAL FACILITIES In the last school year (2005-2006), school children in El Paso were served by the El Paso-Gridley CUSD #11, a joint school system with the Village of Gridley, seven miles east of El Paso. Each community has its own elementary and middle schools, and all high school students attend El Paso High School. Prior to the last school year, each community had its own school district and high school.
Schools
Elementary School and Middle School
Figure II-G-1 Students in grades Pre- Kindergarten through Elementary and fourth grade attend Middle School Enrollment Jefferson Park Elementary 450 School. Students in 400 grades five through eight 350 attend Centennial Middle 300 School. As seen in Figure 250 II-G-1, enrollments in 200
these two schools have Students 150 been relatively constant over the last three school 100 years. 50 0 The elementary school and 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 middle school are School Year centrally located within the community. The Centennial Jefferson Park majority of students live within one-half mile of the school they attend.
High School
The El Paso-Gridley High School is located in the city of El Paso. Students from both the El Paso and Gridley areas attend this school. The enrollment of the high school increased over 40% in the 2005-2006 school year, due to the consolidation of the El Paso and Gridley school districts.
65% of the respondents to the community survey rated the school system as ‘good’ on a scale of ‘good’, ‘fair’, or ‘poor.’ Only 2% rated it as ‘poor’.
Page 28 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Post Secondary Education
El Paso does not have within its borders any institutions of higher learning. However, the following schools are close to El Paso: • Heartland Community College, Normal, Illinois; 16 miles
• Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois; 16 miles
• Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois; 19 miles
Library
The community is served by the El Paso Public Library, located in Jefferson Park across the street from the Jefferson Park Elementary School. The library is open six days a week, and contains over 21,000 books, and approximately 300 audio materials and 900 video materials. 70% of the survey respondents rated the library as ‘good’ on a scale of ‘good’, ‘fair’, or ‘poor.’ Figure II-G-2 is a photo of the library.
Figure II-G-2
Page 29 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 H. NATURAL RESOURCES
Parks and Recreation
El Paso is known for its parks and recreations facilities. The community is home to six parks that vary in size from one-fourth of a block to forty acres. In addition to numerous parks, the city has a 5.4 mile walking/biking trail that was built on an abandoned railroad right-of-way through the middle of town.
See Figure II-H-1 for a listing of El Paso parks and the amenities they provide.
Figure II-H-1 EL PASO PARKS Name Size Facilities Swimming pool, community center, playground, fishing pond, tennis courts, baseball & softball South Pointe Park 40 Acres diamonds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, Frisbee golf course, and picnic shelters. Jefferson Park Children’s playground, outdoor stage, picnic shelters Corn Belt Park 3/4 Block Tennis courts, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms Franklin Park 1 Block Playground, basketball court, picnic areas Eagle Park Toddlers Park 1/4 Block Playground Bicycle/Walking Trail 5.4 Miles
The City of El Paso programs numerous activities as part of its Parks and Recreation Department. Activities for children, adults, and seniors are provided.
Natural Environment
The natural environment is the physical basis for community development and is one starting point for planning considerations. An evaluation of the physical setting is necessary to identify and prioritize potential growth areas. In addition, an understanding of the natural environment is also necessary to prevent unwanted damage to the environment by development or other human activities.
Topography
The City of El Paso and the surrounding mile-and-a-half planning area are predominantly flat. Most slopes are less than 2%, with some slopes ranging up to 5%. The flatness of the terrain causes challenges to the location of sewer lines, which depend on slope. Lift stations to move wastewater to the treatment plant are currently necessary, and more will be needed as development moves into the planning area.
Page 30 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Soil Types
The soils found in the mile-and-a-half planning area fall into two soil associations: the Ipava- Sable-Tama Association and the Chenoa-El Paso-Graymont Association. Soils in both associations are known for their high organic content and large proportion of silty loam. They are poor to moderately well-drained and need subsurface drains when used for row crops. All land in the mile-and-a-half planning area is considered prime agricultural land.
Flood Plains
There are no major waterways that flow through the city of El Paso. Approximately one mile north of the city, the east branch of Panther Creek flows in a northwesterly direction toward Panther Creek. Panther Creek flows into the Mackinaw River and from there to the Illinois River. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has defined an area along the east branch of Panther Creek a 100-year flood plain. A 100-year flood plain is defined as an area of land having a one percent chance of flooding in any given year. FEMA requires restrictions on development in flood plains, although they can be used for open space or recreational uses. In Figure II-H-2, below, the flood plain is the area in gray along the East Branch of Panther Creek.
Figure II-H-2
100 Year Flood Plain
Page 31 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 III. TWENTY YEAR VISION FOR EL PASO
The first step of the Comprehensive Plan, called the Inventory of Inventory Conditions, answered the question “Where are we now?” The second step, The Vision, answers the question “What do we want to look like in the future?
In order to answer this question, the Comprehensive Planning Committee looked at the Analysis of Existing Conditions as well as the responses to the Community Survey (the results of the Survey can be found in the Appendix). They also took a hard look at the strengths and weaknesses of the community. From there, they created the following Vision Statement:
VISION STATEMENT
The City of El Paso is a progressive community that is building for the future today. We will encourage growth and economic vitality while maintaining our agricultural heritage. Residents, businesses, churches and civic organizations work together towards a healthy, attractive and safe community.
Together we create a community of good neighbors. We have pride in our homes and patronize local businesses. Citizens of all ages have access to high-caliber medical, educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. We will do this while keeping housing, taxes, goods and services affordable for the citizens of our city.
Page 32 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 IV. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The third and final section of the Comprehensive Plan answers the question “How do we get there?” This section outlines the goals and objectives that are often considered the “meat” of a Comprehensive Plan.
This section of the Plan is the culmination of months of work, and is the reason the plan is called “comprehensive.” The Goals and Objectives look at individual elements of the community and fits them together in an over-all plan.
It is important to evaluate progress as the Plan is implemented. In addition, the Plan should be reviewed every three to five years in response to on-going changes in the community. Also, the Plan should be shared with new members of the Village Board, Planning Commission, and other groups who will be part of the implementation.
Page 33 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 A. PLANNING ELEMENT: LAND USE
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. a. Locate new developments adjacent to 1. Plan for a mix of land uses that existing developments and close to water and allow for the growth of the city but sanitary sewer lines prevent urban sprawl
b. Use the Future Land Map as a guide for future development (see Map on the following page). c. Review all Woodford County zoning cases that fall within the city’s 1 ½ mile planning
jurisdiction.
d. Encourage development in vacant or underutilized buildings and property within the City.
2. Manage growth so that it is a. Develop an annexation policy for the city consistent with the community’s ability to service existing and new developments
Page 34 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 Future Land Use Map (revised)
Page 35 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 B. PLANNING ELEMENT: POPULATION AND HOUSING
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. 1. Plan for a population of 3,000 – a. Establish a City Planning Commission 3,500 persons in twenty years
b. Review Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
and update if necessary
2. Encourage the development of a. Promote the development of senior quality housing for current and future housing/assisted living facility residents b. Limit the proportion of mobile homes to less than 5% of the total housing stock of the community.
a. Provide inter-connections between new 3. Maintain El Paso as a small town subdivisions to maintain the walkable nature of with rural values the city
b. Require sidewalks in all new subdivisions
Page 36 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 C. PLANNING ELEMENT: COMMUNITY FACILITIES
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. a. Implement the recommendations of the 1. Upgrade the sanitary sewer system Wastewater Treatment and Collection Report to accommodate future growth prepared in 2002
2. Improve the water system to a. Undertake a study of the city’s water system accommodate future growth
3. Provide a safe and secure a. Continue to prepare for natural disasters environment for the residents of El such as tornados Paso
b. Maintain an adequate police department
Page 37 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 D. PLANNING ELEMENT: TRANSPORTATION & CIRCULATION
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. a. If/when a Peoria to Chicago highway is built 1. Provide a safe and efficient regional near El Paso, encourage IDOT to build it transportation system around, rather than through, the community.
2. Provide a safe and efficient a. Connect new subdivisions with schools, transportation and circulation system parks, and the bike trail through walking trails within the city and sidewalks. b. Allow cul-de-sacs in new subdivisions only when necessary due to topography or other physical features such as streams c. Build sidewalks along all existing residential
streets in order to connect all areas of the city.
d. Extend the following streets as the city develops: Clay Street east of Oak Street, Cherry Street north of 8th Street, and 5th Street west of Walnut Street (See Future Land Use Map)
e. Identify the following streets as Collector Streets: • Illinois Route 251 • Pine • County Highway 6/Oak/Adams • CR 1100 N/clearview • Front • Main • Clay
Page 38 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 E. PLANNING ELEMENT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. 1. Encourage new or expanded base a. Increase water and sewer capacity near the I- industries in El Paso in order to provide 39 interchange jobs and generate property taxes b. Support agricultural and agriculturally-
related businesses c. Encourage the use of existing industrially- zoned land within the city limits before annexing additional land d. Improve the management of the city’s revolving loan program in order to have additional funds to loan to businesses.
2. Provide basic goods and services a. Encourage local residents to shop locally for within the community everyday goods and services
b. Encourage the re-use of vacant commercial
buildings
Page 39 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006 F. PLANNING ELEMENT: CULTURAL FACILITIES
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. a. Provide for extra-curricular educational 1. Maintain quality educational opportunities for youth, adults, and elderly opportunities for residents persons b. Work cooperatively with the El Paso Public
Library to improve/upgrade the library
G. PLANNING ELEMENT: NATURAL RESOURCES
GOAL OBJECTIVE Long-range, general aims of the A specific action to meet the goal. Objectives community. Goals are broad and are precise, tangible, and concrete. abstract. 1. Maintain the city’s excellent parks a. Set aside land for additional parks as the city and recreation system grows
b. Provide more parks and recreation programs
as the community grows
c. Maintain parks and playground equipment to
the highest degree possible
a. Implement a flood plain ordinance as 2. Preserve and enhance the natural development approaches the East Branch of environment Panther Creek
Page 40 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2006
APPENDIX
EL PASO COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
The following are the results of the community survey undertaken in El Paso and its surrounding planning area in December 2005.
1,074 surveys were mailed to residents of El Paso with their December water bill. An additional 152 surveys were mailed to residents of the mile-and-a-half planning area surrounding El Paso.
Over 300 surveys were returned. The overall response rate was 27%. In the city limits, the response rate was 29%, and in the surrounding area the response rate was 16%. (A response rate of at least 20% is desired.)
The survey was developed and tabulated by the El Paso Comprehensive Planning Committee with the assistance of Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.
______
1. What age group are you in? [ 0% ] Under 21 [29%] 51 to 65 [14%] 22 to 35 [16%] 66 to 75 [27%] 36 to 50 [15%] Over 75
2. How many persons under the age of 18 live in your home? 0 64% 1 15% 2 14% 3 5% 4 or more 2%
3. How long have you lived in the El Paso area? Average is 31 Years
4. Do you live within the City Limits of El Paso? Yes 93% No 7%
5. Where do you work (or attend school)? [29% ]El Paso [27% ]Bloomington/Normal [10% ]Other Location: Please specify: Pontiac, Gridley, Minonk, Washington, Eureka, Peoria, Roanoke and others [35% ]Retired/Not Working
6. Please rate the quality of the following governmental services in El Paso: Good Fair Poor No Opinion Police Protection [69% ] [18% ] [ 5% ] [ 8% ] Ambulance Service [83% ] [ 4% ] [ 0% ] [12% ] Fire Protection [80% ] [ 6% ] [ 1% ] [14% ] City Water [69% ] [19% ] [ 4% ] [ 8% ] City Sewage Treatment [66% ] [13% ] [ 3% ] [17% ] Library [70% ] [14% ] [ 2% ] [14% ] Recycling Program [53% ] [18% ] [ 5% ] [23% ] Parks & Recreation [56% ] [24% ] [ 9% ] [11% ] Road Maintenance [39% ] [42% ] [14% ] [ 5% ] Schools [65% ] [19% ] [ 2% ] [14% ] Yard Waste Pick-Up [72% ] [14% ] [ 4% ] [10% ]
7. Approximately how much of your purchasing is done in El Paso for: Almost None Some Most (0 to 10%) (10% to 50%) (50% to 100%) Groceries [12% ] [42% ] [46% ] Gasoline [20% ] [39% ] [40% ] Auto Repair [19% ] [17% ] [64% ] Banking [18% ] [16% ] [66% ] Medical/Pharmacy [19% ] [25% ] [56% ] Hardware [25% ] [48% ] [27% ] Appliances [47% ] [28% ] [25% ] Full Service Dining [33% ] [53% ] [14% ] Casual Dining/Fast Food [21% ] [56% ] [23% ] New & Used Cars [33% ] [23% ] [44% ] Home Furnishings and Carpeting [36% ] [31% ] [33% ] Specialty Items/Home Decor [51% ] [36% ] [13% ] Home Maintenance and [34% ] [28% ] [38% ] Remodeling Contractors
8. There has been discussion about a Peoria to Chicago highway. As part of this project, Route 24 may be turned into a 4-lane expressway. What is your opinion of the following? No For Against Opinion The new Route 24 goes around El Paso [56% ] [22% ] [23% ] The new Route 24 passes through El Paso (as it does [22% ] [54% ] [25% ] now) The Peoria to Chicago Highway is not built near El [28% ] [26% ] [47% ] Paso
9. What priority should be given to the development of the following:
High Medium Low No Opinion Professional Offices [17% ] [41% ] [24% ] [18% ] Retail Stores [35% ] [41% ] [12% ] [11% ] Industry [42% ] [32% ] [16% ] [10% ] Retirement Homes [26% ] [46% ] [17% ] [11% ] Affordable Housing [43% ] [28% ] [17% ] [11% ] Rental Housing [17% ] [34% ] [32% ] [17% ] New Subdivisions [14% ] [32% ] [39% ] [15% ] Additional Recreational Facilities [20% ] [32% ] [32% ] [15% ] Sidewalks [40% ] [35% ] [15% ] [10% ] Increased Police Protection [17% ] [39% ] [33% ] [12% ] Pre-Schools/Daycare [24% ] [33% ] [18% ] [25% ] Volunteer Services for People in [35% ] [44% ] [10% ] [11% ] Need Traffic Studies Along Rt. 24 [22% ] [30% ] [29% ] [19% ] Alternative Energy Sources such [31% ] [28% ] [23% ] [18% ] as Wind Farms or Solar
The responses to the open-ended questions (Questions 10, 11, and 12) have been summarized below:
10. What are the features of El Paso that make it an attractive place to live? • Good schools • Good parks and recreational facilities • Small town atmosphere • Many businesses and services available (for the size of the town) • Convenient location. Close to B/N, Peoria, easy access to I-39 • People are friendly and caring • Low crime rate • Residents have pride in their community • Many churches to choose from • Good medical care. Doctors, pharmacy, ambulance service
11. What are the most serious problems facing our community? • High property taxes • Financial problems with parks and recreation department • City Council isn’t responsive to needs of citizens (burn barrels) • Rising costs of utilities, especially water, sewer, phone • Need more activities for youth • Not enough jobs in town • Library needs to be expanded • Park swimming pool and the high school pool should be maintained/repaired • School Board not fiscally responsible/need better leadership on school board/school tax rate too high • Many streets need better maintenance/sidewalks/stop signs
12. The following is a sampling of additional comments made by respondents: • Alleys should be maintained by the City • Too much speeding on city streets, especially Sycamore • We need a Park District • I love the corn festival and other community activities • Blacktop the walking trail • Garbage pick-up should be free and we should be able to put anything out on the curb • Don’t let El Paso grow too fast; we’ll have drugs and crime • We need a 4-way stop at the entrance/exit to Westgate • Do not build low-income housing • Have developers pay full cost of extending infrastructure • Route 24 through town looks rundown • Thanks for asking for my opinion.